The England selectors have left batsmen Owais Shah, Ian Bell and Michael Vaughan and fast bowler Steve Harmison out of the squad for the first Test against West Indies at Lord's.
The impact of this bold approach means that erstwhile number 6 and 20/20 slogger Ravi Bopara is set to take on the vital number three role. Something that should fill any England supporters heart with a small amount of concern. Bell was intriguingly overlooked despite clattering a couple of early season centuries, suggesting that England really do have concerns about him. Former skipper and “saviour of English cricket”™ Vaughan had only managed to notch runs in a 50 over game and selectors are looking for him to make a couple of big scores. The problem is that Vaughan’s test average is far superior to his county average and not unlike previous England number 3 David Gower he quite obviously relishes the big match atmosphere of the Test arena, rather than the humdrum task of smashing county bowlers to all parts of the ground.
In addition uncapped seamers Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions are surprise inclusions and they should provide adequate support for James Anderson and Stuart Broad. However, their selection highlights the very real need to get FF and Sidebottom back in the side. Fortunately England have resisted calling up Saj Mahmood and Matthew Hoggard which even in reliable old, shaggy old Hoggard’s case would have been a retrograde step.
Chairman of selectors Geoff Miller exclaimed: "This is very exciting for the two young fast bowlers to be included in the squad for a Lord's Test match and sends a message to all county players that if they put in consistently good performances they will get recognised. They have earned their place in the party."
Elsewhere in the squad Matt Prior keeps his place as wicketkeeper and is likely to bat at six at Lord's, which given Sussex’s use of him as an opener or number 4 will not be a stretch for the bald stumper. Chris Broad’s son or possibly newcomer Bresnan, who has hit three first-class centuries, will therefore be going in at number seven.
Monty ‘Monty’ Panesar and Graeme Swann are both in the squad but only one is likely to play in the first Test, with Swann appearing quite clearly to be in pole position. He was England's leading wicket-taker in the series in the West Indies earlier this year, with 19 victims at a very impressive cost of only 24 runs each. Despite the facts staring him in the eyes the lugubrious Miller stated: "We know where we stand, it was proven in the West Indies, but there's not a number one England spinner." A statement that could be read one of three ways 1) a reminder to Swann to keep on the straight and narrow, 2) a subtle arm around Monty ‘Monty’ or 3) he is already modelling his tenure in the Chairman’s role on Lord Ted Dexter.
England squad: Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Chris Broad’s son, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Graham Onions, Monty ‘Monty’ Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Graeme Swann.
Jardine’s Verdict: Bold moves on the bowling front highlight paucity of options. Bopara at number three? Surely just keeping the number 3 spot warm for Vaughany. Who only needs to hit a couple square of the wicket to get the Ashes call up!
